BACKGROUND: Using the method for evaluation of gut transit times using radiopaque markers it has been possible to measure not only total colonic transit time but also segmental colonic transit. A modified method, making it more simple and reducing the number of radiographs was described. The aim of this study was to evaluatie the total and segmental colonic transit time of asymptomatic volunteers. METHODS: Total and segmental colonic transit has been measured through the ingestion of radiopaque markers in fifteen asymptomatic adult volunteers, eight females and seven males. RESULTS: Mean total colonic transit time was 36.61 ± 3.48 hours. Segmentar colonic transit time was 11.51 ± 2.28 hours for the right colon, 12.14 ± 2.19 hours for the left colon, and, 12.96 ± 2.23 hours for the rectosigmoid. CONCLUSION: The technique described is a simple and useful method for the evaluation of colonic transit time. Our results in asymptomatic volunteers were comparable to those described in the literature, even when obtained by other methods.
Gastrointestinal Transit; Constipation; Colon; Time Factor
